Minimalist luxury in Lapland: Viivi and Ömer’s modern A-frame cabin is the perfect getaway

Ömer purchased the property without seeing the place, based solely on pictures. The risk paid off, as the area turned out to be a breathtakingly beautiful wilderness paradise.

The dark-stained wooden surfaces of the sauna frame its landscape window, beautifully highlighting the view. The floor is laid with slate.

The dream of a personal hideaway in Lapland had been simmering in Ömer Acar’s mind for some time when he found a building plot up for auction in Inari. Due to the long distance, he purchased the plot based solely on photographs. The location was peaceful, a sheltered hillside cove by a lake. It later turned out that the other plots partitioned from the land area were not buildable at all.

The dream realized in the Lapland wilderness differs from the couple’s city home not only in its minimalism but also in the nature experiences it offers, providing an opportunity for a slower pace of life. The interior’s color palette is minimal, and the materials suit the northern environment.

Viivi and Ömer are continually captivated by the tranquility of the wilderness.

Robust beams add rhythm to the high, gabled space. Windows placed on three levels ensure that natural light flows evenly throughout the interior.

What were your hopes for the cabin?

Ömer: We wanted a timeless, modern, and relaxing environment where we would enjoy spending extended periods and which would draw us in despite the long distance. From the beginning, it was clear that the cabin should have a separate wood-burning sauna and hot tub, as well as space to accommodate friends.

We wanted electricity and a well but not all possible amenities, so that the cabin would remain a cabin and retain its wilderness feel. We generate our electricity via solar panels and, more recently, through wind power we’ve added.

The look of the interior is defined by birch plywood walls. The sofa is from Habitat, and the table lamp from Zara Home. The rug is ‘Laine’ by Sera Helsinki, and the armchair with ottoman is ‘Little Petra’ by &Tradition. The look is completed by the unique ceramic artwork ‘Suo’ by Arni Aromaa hanging on the wall.

You built the cabin from A-frame elements. Why?

Viivi: A-frame elements are, as the name suggests, A-shaped—usually wooden—structures that serve as the building’s load-bearing framework. The roof and other wall structures are built upon these elements.

With these elements, you can build a cabin that looks really cozy. Although the model differs from traditional Finnish cottage types, it visually fits into Lapland’s rugged landscapes. Some parts of the structure don’t even need to be built separately—the steep roof also functions as walls, which is also beneficial considering snow load. The interiors are high and impressive, making the cabin feel more spacious than it actually is. The main cabin’s ridge height is about ten meters.

During the planning phase, we couldn’t find manufacturers of such structures anywhere in Finland, and the only one we found in Europe was in Estonia. When we visited the cabin supplier, we got to see similar completed buildings. Purchasing from Estonia wasn’t worrisome, as communication was clear and professional.

The kitchen and living areas are located downstairs, and the upper floor is accessed via a spiral staircase. The floors, apart from the stone floor in the entrance, are white-lacquered pine.

What was the construction process like?

Ömer: We received a floor plan from the structure manufacturer, which we got to modify according to our needs. Once the plan was ready, we received design drawings, with which we applied for a building permit.

In addition to the load-bearing elements, we were able to procure other components from the manufacturer, such as roofing materials, windows, and doors. We acquired the other building materials locally. The cabin and sauna building were constructed by a small local company with whom collaboration went well—though some compromises were necessary. An aspect that made matters slightly complicated was the plot’s somewhat inaccessible location, and some supplies had to be brought in with a sled pulled by snowmobiles.

The black kitchen and furniture bring structure to the space, which is largely decorated in light tones. The cabinetry is from HTH. The few everyday items are chosen so that the eye is drawn to them, reflecting the shades and shapes of the surrounding nature.

The stripped-down atmosphere of the interior is appealing because it goes well with the architecture and the soaring shapes. The dark red tiling behind the wood-burning stove repeats the autumnal russet tones of Lapland. The kitchen countertops and backsplash are Jura grey limestone.

You emphasize a modern, minimalist wilderness vibe in the interior. What attracts you to the understated style?

Viivi: At the cabin, we get to experience a completely different atmosphere than at home. We like that our days revolve around basic things, not forgetting rest and leisure. That way, there’s no time left to worry about world affairs or other everyday matters.

In winter, when we arrive, we begin our mental reset with heating, as the cabin doesn’t have year-round heating. The temperature can be close to minus 30 degrees Celsius, and heating up the place usually takes until the next day. While waiting for the temperature to rise, we shiver under heated blankets and appreciate every degree gained.

At the cabin, we are isolated from the rest of the world, and it even feels like time stands still. This, on the other hand, has increased our appreciation of our everyday home life and the ease of city living.

The bedroom’s landscape windows can be covered with curtains if desired, but in practice, that’s only necessary during the summer months.

What was the material palette that you wanted to bring into the interior?

Viivi: We prefer natural materials and a neutral color palette that reflects the shades of Lapland’s nature. We also sought used furniture so that the atmosphere wouldn’t be too modern or impersonal. The birch plywood interior cladding guided some of the material and color choices: we didn’t want all the furniture to blend into it.

The pendant lamp in the sleeping area is ‘Hashira’ by Audo Copenhagen.

The upstairs gem is an armchair that Ömer found on Tori.fi and had reupholstered to match the interior. The black metal railing effectively defines the space.

What are your favorite moments at the cabin?

Viivi: The best moments are the spectacles provided by nature, like the autumn colors and the northern lights, which you never get tired of watching. We also enjoy the extreme conditions—really severe cold below minus 30 degrees and taking a sauna during the midnight sun in midsummer.

For the future, we look forward to wonderful moments with our newly expanded family, seeing our daughter grow up in a place that’s important to us. It’s wonderful to get to teach Alba to appreciate nature from an early age.

The entrance floor is covered with slate.

The Acar family’s vacation home in Inari is 75 square meters.

Soaking in the wood-heated hot tub is one of the highlights of cabin life. The hot tub was brought to the site on a sled pulled by a snowmobile.

“The spaciousness and large windows allow us to observe nature and track the passage of light. Sometimes nature is so close that we can watch reindeer strolling right in front of the cabin.”